The 62-year-old has a rich and storied managerial career, with plenty of highs, much jaw-dropping controversy and moments when he has let himself down.
Nowhere though, will he feel the affection reserved for him at Chelsea.
They chanted his name loudly on three occasions during his new club Benfica’s 1-0 Champions League defeat. At one stage in the second half he was being serenaded by the Matthew Harding Stand at one end and the Shed at the other.
He waved almost sheepishly. His main focus was on the pitch – his desperation to succeed greater than it was all those years ago he said, because he has a reputation to live up to.
“When I first came here no-one was waiting for me,” he said. “There were a lot of question marks.
“Now everybody thinks I have magic to make things happen.”
He was speaking in Chelsea’s media conference room, which was packed. Many who were present know Jose. None come close to the impact of Brian Pullman.
Pullman worked at Chelsea for an incredible 56 years and retired in 2024. He was a familiar face in the media conference room and clearly, Jose remembered how Pullman used to look after him.
Grinning to see his old colleague had made the effort to return to meet him, Mourinho asked “where are my favourite biscuits?” Pullman moved a nearby tea towel to reveal half a dozen custard creams. The Portuguese took a couple, then grabbed the rest as he stood up to leave. The embrace between the pair was a joy to witness.
This is the Chelsea Mourinho – the one fans love.